25

"How are you feeling, Bel?" Reno asks as you enter the studio Monday morning. "It's good to see you back on your feet."

"It's good to be back." You tell him. "I feel much better, thanks." 

"Do you have plans this weekend?" He scratches the back of his head, looking embarrassed.

"Not really, why?"

"I have this event I need to attend, I'm thinking if you could be my date?" He's looking at his feet now.

"What event is it?" 

"It's a charity event one of my friends is hosting. And they actually expect me to bring somebody with me."

You giggle at how red he is. "Sure, Reno. I'll go with you."

"Really?" His head shoots up, you can see elation on his eyes. "I mean, thanks."

"No problem," you smile. 

It's just a charity event anyway. It's not like you're actually going out on a date. Is it?

The week goes by fast. The studio was so busy plus you had to cover two events, that you don't realize it's already Friday. 

Your phone goes off as you start to leave the studio. It's a text message from Mark. 'Missing you.' It was short. You start wondering what he's been up to. He hasn't contacted you for days and he sends you a two-word message. 

Disappointed, you put your phone back in your bag without replying. "It seems my fantasy is really over," you tell yourself. The last weekend you've spent with Mark was heaven to you. When he left Sunday morning, you were still confused on your status. You told him you like him and he likes you, too. But, you're not really in a relationship. You're still scared to commit. 

"What if he finds somebody better than me? What if he suddenly doesn't want me anymore. What if he gets tired of me?" What ifs flood your mind. 

"I bet he's too busy with his 'wife' to give me a call," you stomp towards the bus stop. 

"Bel, let me drive you home," Reno calls from behind.

Seeing your bus already there, you just wave at him. "See you tomorrow, Reno," you run up the bus and find a seat at the back. 

Two teenage girls sitting in front of you were giggling at something they're watching on their phone. 

"They really look good together," one says.

"I heard they're going out for real," the other one whispers. 

"Really? Ooohhh. I would kill to go out with Mark."

Hearing his name, your heart drops to the floor. "So they're still going out?" He already told you last time that he kinda have feelings for the girl, but, still, jealousy hits you. You don't have a hold on him, and you can't complain. 

You close your eyes and rest your head on the window. "What a fuckin' confusing life I have," you tell yourself. 

Reno picks you up at six pm at your apartment. He's waiting in the living room while you look at the mirror one last time. You decided to wear a black halter gown that flows down to your ankles. The beaded belt shimmers as the light touches it. Black stilettos complete the look. You let your wavy hair loose, dab in a little powder, red lipstick and you're all set. 

"You look lovely," Reno stares at you with his mouth open. 

"Thank you, you look dashing yourself." You smile. Looking at the tall man in your living room in a dark gray suit. His hair is gelled to perfection. 

"I have to keep you close to me tonight, or else other guys would snatch you away from me," he chuckles as he takes your hand and leads you out the door. 

The hall looks elegant. Everybody is dressed in their best gowns and suits. You see some famous artists in the crowd, making you gape. 

"They're regulars in this charity. They are one of the big donors." Reno tells you. He hands you a glass of champagne as you find your way to your table. 

"Reno, my man," a man approaches the both of you, grinning widely. 

"James," he shakes the man's hand and gives him a hug. 

"And who is this dazzling lady with you? Is this the most-talked-about Bel?" James faces you and shakes your hand, eyeing you from head to toe, making you blush.

"Bel, this is my good friend James. He's the organizer of this event. And yes, James. This is Isabel Park." Reno looks a bit embarrassed by his friend, he scratches the back of his head and you see a slight pink on his cheeks. 

"It's nice to finally meet you, Ms. Park. Reno, here, doesn't stop talking about you." 

"Please call me 'Bel'." You tell him. "I hope he's said only nice things about me," you giggle. 

"Of course, you're quite a photographer I heard. I'd love to see some of your works one of these days." 

"Thanks, James. But, I'm nothing compared to Reno." You blush. 

"I see why this guy here doesn't want me to introduce new girls to him. You're a keeper."

"Thanks," you blush again.

"Well, I hope you enjoy the night, Bel. Reno, let's catch up later." James takes his leave to welcome other guests entering the hall. 

You take a seat at the table that has your names written on it. 

"So, you talk about me." You tell Reno and you see him blush again. 

"Well, that..." he scratches the back of his head and smiles, "I just can't stop thinking about you, you know." 

You wish you could say the same, but the only guy in your mind is Mark. You can't stop thinking about him. Even when you're busy at work, his face pops in your thoughts. Even tonight, you try to enjoy it with Reno, but you wish Mark is the one sitting beside you. 

"Bored?" He asks after dinner. He notices how quiet you are and is a bit worried. 

"No, maybe just a little tired," you lie. You're not really into these kinds of formal events and you don't know how to act in front of these people. 

"You wanna get some fresh air?" 

You nod. He takes you out to the veranda where you see a couple making out. You look at Reno, who also saw them, and you burst out chuckling. 

"They should get a room," he whispers. 

You walk to the railings and look at the breathtaking night view of the city below you. 

"Thanks for inviting me here, Reno. It was....really heart warming." Although it was boring, you see how these people come together to help in a common cause. You thought rich people were just snobs who squander their money, but seeing them tonight, bidding their highest on the smallest things just to help out, warms your heart. 

"I should be the one thanking you," he takes your hand in his. "My friend would be off my back for a while."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"He's been setting me up with different women for the past years. He wants me to get a girlfriend." He chuckles.

"So, that's why you brought me here. I was starting to wonder." You giggle. 

"I'm sorry." His eyes look apologetic. 

"That's fine. I'm glad I was able to help."

"But, Bel," his hand goes to your waist and he gets closer. "Can we not...just...you know..."

"What?"

"I want to formally court you." His words leave you stunned. You know that he likes you but you didn't think he'd actually go through with it. He already knows what you think about relationships. So, why would he even try?

"Reno," you feel sorry for him. The look in his eyes tell you he's sincere. "I....I don't know."

"Just let me do it. I wanna try."

You have to at least let him try, right? It wouldn't hurt. Who knows, what if he makes you change your mind? What if he makes you forget about Mark completely. 

You nod at him and you can see his smile from ear to ear. He pulls you in his arms as he whispers 'Thanks'.

The drive to your home was silent, but comfortable. He kisses you on your forehead goodnight. 

"Thank you for coming with me," he says and you smile at him. 

As you lay in bed that night, you think of how Reno has been treating you all these months. He's been nothing but kind and sweet. Would you fall for him? You already like him as a person. He's a gentleman, very handsome, and really successful. He's a perfect example of PERFECT. Plus, he likes you. Would you develop feelings for him like what you feel about Mark? Would he make you forget about him? 

Reno knocks on your apartment door early Monday morning just as you are preparing to go out. 

"What are you doing here?" You're startled to see him in your apartment.

"Taking you to work," he says.

"You don't have to."

"I'd do this everyday because I want to." He takes your hand and leads you out to his car. "Would you want to grab breakfast first?" He asks. 

"Sure."

You go to his sister's cafe and order the special. You talk about the schedule for the week. He mentions a concert you have to cover.

"When is it?"

"On Friday. It's your brother's concert. Haven't you heard?"

Oh no. Not again. You've covered concerts of other artists before but you've never done GOT7s. They usually had their own crew. So why now?

"I thought they have their own staff to do these for them." 

"They canceled at the last minute. Their company called me last night, I couldn't say no."

"Can you take the intern with you instead? I have plans on Friday." You lie. You really don't want to be working close to Mark yet. He hasn't contacted you over the weekend and you try to just get him out of your system for now. 

"Where are you going?" 

"I need to meet up a friend. I've already said yes. She's coming in from Australia." 

"Oh. Ok."

"Thanks, Reno. And sorry."

The whole week went by fast. Reno would pick you up from your apartment every morning and drive you home after work. He's been really trying his best in this 'courting' thing. He even surprises you with flowers on your desk one morning. 

"Sis, aren't you coming to our concert?" JB calls you Friday afternoon. 

"Sorry, bro. I need to meet a friend." You keep your lie. "Maybe next time. Break a leg!"

"Thanks, Bel. Oh....don't forget. My birthday party's next week. I'll send you the details later. You have to come." 

Shit! You almost forgot. His friends organized a birthday bash for him and you're invited. You wouldn't want to turn him down. It's his birthday anyway. 

"Ok. See you then. And sorry again, oppa."

"Uhm, Reno," you enter his office Friday morning, before JB's party. 

"Yup?" He looks up from his laptop.

"You busy this weekend?" You can't believe you're gonna ask him to go with you. But, you need distraction or else you'd just be staring at Mark again the whole time. 

"Nope. Why?"

"Uh....It's my brother's birthday tomorrow and I was wondering if you could go with me," you feel yourself blush. 

He chuckles and stands in front of you, making you blush even more at his closeness. "Of course, Bel. I'd love that."

"Thanks," you say shyly and run out the door, embarrassed. You've never asked anyone out before so you didn't really know how to say it. 

Glad that was over, you rush to the studio and prepare your things for a client's photoshoot. 

Reno picks you up early the next morning. JB's party would be at a beach resort in Busan. The boys were given a few days off by the company following their numerous concerts. And they went there a day ahead. 

"You ready?" Reno asks.

You take a deep breath, not really anticipating what would happen with you, Reno and Mark for two days. 

"Let's go," you smile.